A former member of the House of Representatives, Israel Sunny-Goli, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe multi-million naira investments made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Sunny-Goli, who represented the Nembe-Brass Federal Constituency in the Ninth Assembly, stated that he was calling for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution regarding the disbursement of funds for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Limited, the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, as well as the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited.
The former lawmaker noted that all the projects are situated within the precinct of Brass Local Government Area and that the investments were undertaken during the tenure of the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote.
According to him, NCDMB’s total equity of $200 million was contributed to the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Limited project, which was conceived to establish two trains of 5,000 MTPD methanol plants and one train of 500 Mscf per day processing plant, along with associated infrastructure to be sited in Odioma, Brass Island, Bayelsa State.
For the Atlantic Refinery project, he disclosed that a full investment of $35 million was made for the project, which was expected to be a 2,000 bpd modular refinery with a jetty facility and 2MW power plant, with a duration of 24 months completion at the Brass Free Trade Zone (FTZ).
Sunny-Goli further stated in his petition that the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited is also included for probe, with NCDMB’s investment aimed at establishing a 50 million-litre facility with a two-way product jetty, automated storage tanks and loading bay in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He expressed sadness that the current state of the three projects is nothing to write home about, as they are now surrounded by uncertainty and a sense of gloom.
Sunny-Goli pointed out that the projects are well-meaning and could provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and also increase government’s revenue.
“To ensure that our great nation is not short-changed, and our teeming unemployed youths are not denied gainful employment opportunities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, I hereby request that your commission immediately institute a thorough investigation into the projects listed above and prosecute without delay anyone found culpable in the event of misappropriation of funds,” he said.
Below is the petition:
The Executive Chairman
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),
No.301/302 Institutional and Research
District, Jabi
Federal Capital Territory
Dear Sir,
CALL FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR THE BRASS FERTILIZER & PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY LTD, ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL REFINERY & PETROCHEMICAL LIMITED, AND THE BRASS PETROLEUM PRODUCT TERMINAL LIMITED BY THE KESIYE SIMBI WABOTE LED NCDMB.
Please, refer to the above named subject matter.
I was a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, following my election to represent Brass Constituency 1 between 2015 and 2019. In 2019, I contested and won election to represent the good people of Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State in the 9th Assembly (2019 – 2023), particularly in the Federal House of Representatives.
Given my years of active political and communal leadership, I am by all standards qualified express concerns about the overall development of my people and to protect same.
It is on this premise that I hereby wish to forward a petition to the Commission for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution as it relates to the disbursement of funds for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, the Atlantic International Refinery & Petrochemical Limited, as well as the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited, all situated within the precinct of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, during the tenure of the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, (NCDMB), Eng. Simbi Kesiye Wabote.
Background:
1. Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited: The project was conceived to establish two (2) trains of 5,000MTPD methanol Plants and One(1) train of 500MMscf per day processing plant and associated infrastructure to be sited in Odiama, Brass Island, Bayelsa State. The total NCDMB equity contribution for this project is $200m. With an initial payment of $20m made in May, 2021, and an annual payment of $60m over the period of 3 years.
NCDMB Directors: Simbi Wabote and Mohammed Umar.
Keyman: Mr. Ben Okoye.
Current Status of Project: Available information indicates that nothing tangible has been accomplished on this project, thus making its delivery uncertain and gloomy.
2. Atlantic International Refinery & Petrochemical Limited: This project was conceived for the establishment of a 2,000bpd Modular Refinery, a jetty facility, and a 2MW power plant in the Brass Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Bayelsa State.
Its target completion period was 24 months from the date of financial close. Full investment amount of $35m was released in one bullet in October 2020.
Keyman: Akindele Akintoye.
NCDMB Directors: Simbi Wabote and Isaac Yalah.
Current Status of Project: The project has stalled and has little or nothing to show for the disbursement made. Delivery timeline is also uncertain.
3. Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited: The investment was for the establishment of a 50 million-litre facility with a two-way product jetty, automated storage tanks, and loading bay in Brass, Baylesa State. Project was initially conceived to have the NNPC Limited and the NCDMB as shareholders with the private company but was curiously financed by the Simbi-led NCDMB alone.
Keymen: NCDMB Directors: Simbi Wabote and Mohammed Umar.
Current Status of Project: The project for which funds were disbursed in September 2021, has not progressed as expected, and its completion remains not only uncertain but funding by the other shareholders is also not assured.
As can be deduced from the information supplied above, these are well-meaning projects aimed at creating jobs for our teeming unemployed youths, as well as increase the nation’s revenue.
To ensure our great nation is not short-changed, and our teeming unemployed youths denied gainful employment opportunities in line with the Renewed Hoped agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, I hereby request that your commission immediately Institute a thorough investigation into the projects listed above, and prosecute without delay, anyone found culpable in the event of any misappropriation of funds.
Please, find attached pictorial evidence and other documents in support of my claims.
Accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.
Yours Faithfully
Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli
(Former MHR; Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency).
